Hello all. So I've never done WC, but I have a big project coming up that I'm hoping to have done by the end of this year.

I have been doing some research, but I still got a lot to learn.

I have quite a few questions.

1) What tubing is usually recommended? I believe 3/8 and 1/4 are the most common? What is the pros and cons to each? I know the bigger tubing obviously cools more, but may look bulkier, and the bigger tubing also kinks easier..? Any other pros / cons?

2) What kinda fittings are there? Compression and barbed..? What are the differences, how do they work? I want to go for Matte Black Bitspower fittings as the color on them is just astonishing.

3) I want to get a cooling block for my upcoming 680, but I want a clear block, or a real nice black one. I've seen em on some cards, but can't seem to find the one I'm looking for. I want the blue coolant I'll be using (will be using Mayhem's Deep Blue dye) to show around the card. EX - http://www.murderbox.eu/_mdpc-murder...box-mk2-05.jpg

4) How do I know if a pump is powerful enough for my loop? Are there different kind of pumps?

5) How can I get a UV effect on my loop without the thing giving it the effect showing? I want a really clean build. I want to go for clear tubing so my colored coolant will show.

6) What are some popular reservoirs? I've only seen block kinda ones, cylinders, and the helix DNA looking ones. Isn't there more variety?

7) I'm in the US. What is popular other than Koolance, EKWB, XSPC, Bitspower? I feel like EKWB makes great quality blocks, whereas Bitspower has sweet fittings.

Thanks for your time guys. I have so many questions. I'm all over the place haha.

1) The most common sizes for tubing are 1/2"id 3/4"od and 3/8"id 5/8"id. The difference in flow loss is negligible, so just go with the look that you prefer. Some cheaper tubing is more prone to kinking on sharp bends than others. I like primochill 1/2"-3/4" myself.

2) For fittings, barbed fittings with hose clamps are cheaper, compression fittings are better looking but more expensive. Compression fittings have an outer collar that "pinches" the tubing to seal it to the fitting. Some people like to use undersized tubing on barbed fittings with no clamps, but I would not recommend this for someone new to WC.

4) Yes there are several different pumps available. Two types of pump are very common: Firstly, the Laing D5 (aka MCP655) this pump comes in a fixed speed and variable speed model and has been rebranded by several retailers. Several aftermarket tops and reservoirs are available for it. Secondly, the Laing DDC. This pump comes in many configurations like the MCP350, 355 and 35x. Several retailers have rebranded these pumps as well, so you will see them with different names. There are lots of aftermarket tops and reservoirs available for these pumps as well.

In a nutshell, any of these pumps will be fine for anything but the most extreme WC setups. The "which is better" topic comes up all the time and there isn't a single right answer. From my experience and research: Positives of the D5 are that it is quieter, more reliable and pushes more volume at low restriction. Positives of the DDC pumps are that it is smaller, has more tops available, comes in PWM variations and pushes more volume with higher restriction. I personally use the variable speed D5 because it is quiet and reliable.

5) You can get leds or cathode lights. Cheaper leds are very directional while cathodes give off 360* light and are generally easier to position. To hide the UV lights just put them on the sides, top and bottom of the case up against the side with the window. This way they will throw the light into the case but will not be visible through the window.

6) Tons of reservoirs are available. Most commonly cylinder, integrated with radiator, square or 5.25" bay mounted. Some setups integrate the pump with the reservoir. Looking for something specific?

7) Those are some of the big names, but check out some retailer websites to see what else is out there.

What's wrong with EKWB? Looks like the most advanced in terms of their design/marketing, obviously I don't know bout the quality of their stuff but I don't want biased answers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZZLEE

Tube size

Larger flows easier and faster with less pressure.

look at area of circle vs radius. Volume off a tube vs Radius.

larger tube has less effect due wall friction on flow.

Primochill Primo Flex 1/2" inner 3/4" outer is what I have.

Rad have 1/2" G1/4 threads most of the time.

I was not as careful as should have been in my first water cooling.

Soon I Will try again

Anywhere where I can compare tubing sizes? I wanna see good examples of how the sizes look so I can decide.

What are the popular tubing kinds/brands?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustin1706

Hey Reaper.

1) The most common sizes for tubing are 1/2"id 3/4"od and 3/8"id 5/8"id. The difference in flow loss is negligible, so just go with the look that you prefer. Some cheaper tubing is more prone to kinking on sharp bends than others. I like primochill 1/2"-3/4" myself.

2) For fittings, barbed fittings with hose clamps are cheaper, compression fittings are better looking but more expensive. Compression fittings have an outer collar that "pinches" the tubing to seal it to the fitting. Some people like to use undersized tubing on barbed fittings with no clamps, but I would not recommend this for someone new to WC.

4) Yes there are several different pumps available. Two types of pump are very common: Firstly, the Laing D5 (aka MCP655) this pump comes in a fixed speed and variable speed model and has been rebranded by several retailers. Several aftermarket tops and reservoirs are available for it. Secondly, the Laing DDC. This pump comes in many configurations like the MCP350, 355 and 35x. Several retailers have rebranded these pumps as well, so you will see them with different names. There are lots of aftermarket tops and reservoirs available for these pumps as well.

In a nutshell, any of these pumps will be fine for anything but the most extreme WC setups. The "which is better" topic comes up all the time and there isn't a single right answer. From my experience and research: Positives of the D5 are that it is quieter, more reliable and pushes more volume at low restriction. Positives of the DDC pumps are that it is smaller, has more tops available, comes in PWM variations and pushes more volume with higher restriction. I personally use the variable speed D5 because it is quiet and reliable.

5) You can get leds or cathode lights. Cheaper leds are very directional while cathodes give off 360* light and are generally easier to position. To hide the UV lights just put them on the sides, top and bottom of the case up against the side with the window. This way they will throw the light into the case but will not be visible through the window.

6) Tons of reservoirs are available. Most commonly cylinder, integrated with radiator, square or 5.25" bay mounted. Some setups integrate the pump with the reservoir. Looking for something specific?

7) Those are some of the big names, but check out some retailer websites to see what else is out there.

EK stuff is actually really good quality. Unfortunately their current designs have circles all over the place, but they are now moving away from that. Back in 2011 they had some issues with the nickle plating on their blocks, but they were really good about RMAing any defective blocks. EK Official Statement for Nickel Plating Issues | EKWaterBlocks

A reservoir is a reservoir. Just a place to store some extra fluid. If you plan on using a reservoir that integrates a pump, make sure they are compatible. Otherwise, just go for looks. A few examples:

You'll definitely want a top for your water pump, a D5 / 655 is a good strong pump and very reliable..

I have seen EK stuff that was poorly designed and shorted out GFX cards and then of course the nickle plating...... but regardless of quality it was the response to the nickle plating and attitude of the company that has me turned off and now the whole bubble wrap look to every piece they sell makes it even less appealing..